Islam Makhachev shares prediction for Conor McGregor’s return

Islam Makhachev has weighed in on Conor McGregor's long-awaited return, siding with the oddsmakers in predicting Max Holloway will emerge victorious. McGregor, inactive since 2021 and riding a broken leg suffered in his trilogy loss, faces Holloway in a rematch at UFC 329 on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout marks McGregor's first fight in nearly three years. Oddsmakers have installed Holloway as a heavy favorite at –450, while McGregor sits at +300. Despite acknowledging the marketing value McGregor brings to the sport, Makhachev expressed confidence in Holloway's chances. "It's good. Big name for our sport," Makhachev told UFC on TNT Sports. "But he have tough opponent, Max Holloway, against Conor. I think Max can beat him." McGregor defeated Holloway via unanimous decision in their first matchup in 2013, early in both fighters' UFC tenures. However, McGregor's extended layoff and the significant damage to his leg raise serious questions about his physical conditioning heading into one of combat sports' most anticipated comebacks.